Lakesha Burton resigns from mayor’s office

Mayor Donna Deegan’s Director of Community Initiatives Lakesha Burton has resigned as director of community initiatives for Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan.

The former police officer and recent sheriff candidate was appointed to the job in July to lead crime prevention and intervention programs for the city.

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In her resignation letter, Burton said she was leaving to focus on the health of her husband, Greg Burton, the chief of school police for Duval Schools. Greg Burton has been off the job battling an undisclosed health issue since Oct. 2, according to the district.

“I genuinely felt that I had a great opportunity to move your vision for a thriving community forward,” Burton said in her resignation letter. “However, the unexpected health challenges my husband is facing require me to step back from my role as a full-time employee. I am open to considering other ways to continue serving you and our city.”

Deegan issued a statement saying: ““I am incredibly grateful for Lakesha’s service to Jacksonville both in the Mayor’s Office and over 24 years with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. She is a passionate and dedicated public servant who cares deeply about our community. I look forward to working with her in the future.”